Meta’s Threads experiences a surge in downloads as it launches a new battle against X.
Originally launched as a competitor to X (formerly Twitter), Meta’s Threads has been available for over half a year. The app initially saw significant downloads and popularity as Instagram users flocked to the new platform thanks to the seamless migration process and use of the same username. However, this interest gradually waned.
Now, the tide seems to be turning again, with the Meta-owned social platform making a possible turnaround. The app was the fourth most downloaded iOS app and the eighth most downloaded on Google Play in December 2023. According to a report by AppFigures, the platform nearly tripled downloads on the App Store to 12 million and on Google Play to 16 million. . These numbers mean that Threads overtook other popular social platforms, including Spotify, Telegram and, most importantly, competitor X.
The recent resurgence is likely due to Instagram actively promoting Threads posts in users’ feeds. In addition, the addition of new features, such as the ability to add tags and delete a Threads profile without first deleting your Instagram account, has contributed to the popularity of Threads.
In addition, Threads has already achieved several milestones. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced in October last year that the application has almost 100 million users. Based on reports, it seems that the app has already exceeded this number.
Meanwhile, rival X has been slowed by features and changes introduced by Elon Musk as soon as he took over – including the removal of old checkmarks, rebranding of the platform as “X” and even a myriad of features such as live streaming, the ability to broadcast up to 2 hours of video and monetization options for X Premium subscribed accounts.
